frithfarm1

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Saturday, January 15, 2011

The future egg layers of Frith Farm survived their journey through the recent nor'easter, courtesy of the United States Postal Service, and settled into their new home with good cheer. After consistent observation (work is difficult in so much snow), I have concluded my analysis of life as a chick. It goes something like this:

1. Wake up (from another chick rudely running into you)
2. Chirp loudly, presumably to let the world know you are now awake
3. Commence pecking at anything that is round and dark
4. Swallow the occasional peckage that happens to be edible
5. Run full speed into nearby sleeping chicks
6. Find yourself at the waterer, take a few swallows
7. Pause under the warmth of the brooder lamp, stretch, topple over for lack of balance
8. Chirp loudly
9. Fall prostrate in a sudden display of narcolepsy
10. Repeat 1-9.

The breeds are Rhode Island Reds, Barred Plymouth Rocks, and Black Australorps (the last two are currently indistinguishable to me).

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

The snow continues to fall and the wind to rattle the bones of this old farmhouse, but so far the greenhouse is holding up to the storm. Newly clothed in its two layers of poly, it maintains an almost comfortable 40 degrees on days like today, and a delightfully uncomfortable 80 degrees on clear sunny days, even as the outdoor temperature remains in the 20s. Hopefully we'll still be able to find it tomorrow amid the snowdrifts.

Many thanks to the neighbors for helping us heave into place the 200-lb heater that will keep the seedlings warm this spring!